Pegasus Beach Fire sparks community conversations
17 July 2023
On 2 November 2022, a large vegetation fire broke out at Pegasus Beach in Canterbury. It destroyed an estimated 200 hectares of pine forest and recently planted regenerating native flora, and caused the evacuation of 130 people staying at the Woodend Beach Holiday Park. The Holiday Park had a comprehensive evacuation plan in place, and everyone was evacuated successfully. Following the fire investigation into the incident, the cause of the fire was deemed to be fireworks let off from a nearby carpark.
The Pegasus Beach fire is an example of the damage and destruction fireworks can have on a community. Always check the conditions and follow our tips on safely setting off fireworks at checkitsalright.nz.
Watch the videos below to find out more about the Pegasus Beach fire and how the community responded.
| Before | During | After |
Thanks to Canterbury’s Community Risk Management team, the Woodend Volunteer Brigade, Horse Trainer John Dunn, the Woodend Beach Holiday Park community and the Te Kōhaka o Tūhaitara Trust for helping us create the videos.
The time to plan, and act, is now. We can help you prepare, just reach out to your local brigade.